School of Veterinary Medicine sponsors 24th annual Dog Jog benefit

The race is on to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals.

At 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, hundreds of animal lovers and their dogs will run (or walk) the two-mile Dog Jog benefit race, sponsored by the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Whether participants finish doesn’t matter nearly as much as the amount of money they raise.

Last year, some 800 participants raised more than $32,000, and organizers hope to raise even more this year. Proceeds benefit area humane organizations, including Angel’s Wish (Dane County), Beaver Dam Humane Society (Dodge County), Country Animal Haven (Dane County), Dane County Humane Society, Iowa County Humane Society, Humane Society of Jefferson County, Rock County Humane Society, Sauk County Humane Society, Washington County Humane Society and Watertown Humane Society (Jefferson County).

Anyone who loves animals is encouraged to give, whether they can attend Dog Jog or not. The public is encouraged to sponsor a neighbor, friend or family member, or even contribute in the name of their pet. Online donations also will be accepted.

"Dogs and cats alike benefit," says Linda Sullivan, a veterinarian at the UW–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine who oversees the Dog Jog.

Sponsored by the UW–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine’s Companion Animal Club, this colorful event draws pledgers from across Wisconsin. Participants can win prizes for collecting the most pledges, best costume and best finish times. Major supporters include Knupp and Watson Advertising, Invisible Fence of Madison, Culligan Total Water, Doggie Doo, Banfield: The Pet Hospital, Merial Ltd. and John Urban.

Because of construction on campus, the two-mile run/walk will once again begin in Lot 60, near the intersection of Walnut Street and University Bay Drive on the west end of UW–Madison.

Registration forms will be available at area veterinary clinics (including the school’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital) in late August. Forms also are available online. For more information, call (608) 263-1010.